Mount Saint Joseph Gaels Gear Up for 2025-26 Basketball Season

The Mount Saint Joseph Gaels are getting ready for the 2025–26 basketball season with a mix of excitement and challenges. Last year, the team finished 16–14 overall and went 5–3 in the MIAA A Conference. They secured a quarterfinal win over Archbishop Spalding, highlighted by a huge game-winning shot by Bj Ranson against St.. In the semifinal, they fell to Our Lady of Mount Carmel. With that experience behind them, and a strong mix of returning leaders and new talent, the Gaels believe they can take another step forward this season.

Two basketball players face off on the court, one wearing a blue jersey with the number 5 and the other in a dark-blue jersey. Spectators are visible in the background. — Credit: Justice Grey

One of the biggest changes for Mount Saint Joseph is the addition of Saxton Simley, a talented transfer from Gonzaga College High School in D.C. His skill set should immediately help the Gaels on both offense and defense. At the same time, the team has to adjust to losing three key transfers: Rico Purnell, Brayden Young, and Bryton Barrett. With the departure of two impactful, experienced seniors, Joe Green and Brandon Holmes, Kenny Anthony and Zikom Etoule will have the opportunity to step up and showcase their skills. Each of them played an important role last season, so replacing their production will be a challenge.

Still, the Gaels bring back a strong group of returners who will lead the way. BJ Ranson has proven himself as a steady scorer and floor leader. Aaron Early Jr. provides toughness inside, and Chauncey Word adds athleticism that makes him hard to guard. Together, they give the team a strong foundation to build on.

A basketball player wearing a blue jersey with 'MSJ' and the number 25 walks on the court, while another player in a blue jersey with the number 21 is nearby. — Credit: Justice Grey

The newcomers also bring a lot of energy and talent. Bryce Hudgins and Ciar Word are both players with the skills to make an impact right away. On top of that, Shamal brings fire and passion to the team, inspiring his teammates with his energy and intensity. His leadership, driven by effort and emotion, may prove just as valuable as points or rebounds.

Over the summer at DMV Live, Mount Saint Joseph gave fans a first taste of what this year’s team could look like. The Gaels picked up impressive wins over Westtown and St. Stephen’s & St. Agnes, showing toughness, teamwork, and flashes of high-level play. Their only setback came against a strong Gillion Academy squad. What makes those performances even more encouraging is that they came before the arrival of Saxton, the standout transfer from Gonzaga College High School in D.C. With his addition, the Gaels look even more dangerous heading into the regular season.

Three coaches from Mount Saint Joseph basketball stand together during a game, wearing team jackets and looking focused, with spectators visible in the background. — Credit: Justice Grey

This year’s schedule will be demanding, with early road games against Pallotti, McDonogh, and Archbishop Spalding before the heavy stretch of conference play begins in January. These matchups will test how quickly the team can come together and find its rhythm.

In the end, Mount Saint Joseph enters the 2025–26 season with a balance of proven leaders, new talent, and strong coaching from Pat Clatchey, who has led the program for over 30 years. The losses of Purnell, Young, and Barrett will be felt. Still, with Saxton’s arrival, the return of stars like Ranson, Early, and Word, and the energy of newcomers like Hudgins, Ciar Word, and Shamal, the Gaels have all the pieces to be one of the top teams in the MIAA A Conference again. If everything comes together, Mount Saint Joseph could be looking at a season even better than last year.